Memorials can only be erected with the authority of the lair holder. The maximum dimensions permitted are restricted for both health and safety and planning reasons. Work to erect a memorial can only be undertaken by a registered Monumental Mason and must comply with Falkirk Council's Registration Scheme for Monumental Masons. (We will be accepting applications for this scheme from 01 June 2019.)
Responsibility for the maintenance of the memorial
The lair holder is responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of any memorial erected upon a lair for the lifetime of that memorial. If the lair holder dies, the person taking on the lair will also inherit this responsibility. Memorials can be insured for maintenance purposes and against vandalism, your local Monumental Mason should be able to provide you with more details about this. You can also get details by contacting the National Association of Monumental Masons (NAMM) or the British Register of Accredited Memorial Masons (BRAMM).
Inspecting/testing of memorials
There have been several recorded accidents involving members of the public in cemeteries across Britain, some fatal.
As the Burial Authority for cemeteries within the Falkirk Council area, we have a responsibility to our operatives/staff and members of the public to ensure, where possible that our churchyards and cemeteries are a safe environment for working in or visiting and meet Health & Safety Standards.
Unstable memorials can pose a danger to our staff, members of the public who wish to visit friends and relatives buried in our cemeteries and those who attend interments.
We understand that testing and making safe memorials may cause upset to bereaved families but our priority has to be the safety of those visiting cemeteries.